🚗 AutoDefect IQ

2021 Ford Bronco problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Engine (52) · Suspension (23) · Fuel/Propulsion System (19)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

69 /100
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Compared against other Ford Bronco model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

🛣️ Complaints by mileage

<25k miles: 19 complaints 19 <25k 25–50k miles: 15 complaints 25–50k 50–75k miles: 5 complaints 50–75k 75–100k miles: 1 complaints 75–100k 100–125k miles: 0 complaints 100–125k 125–150k miles: 0 complaints 125–150k 150k+ miles: 0 complaints 150k+

40 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.

230
Complaints
20
Recalls
324
Service bulletins
6
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (20)

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood 2026-07-20 · campaign 26V468000 · 565,691 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles. The engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit.

Risk: A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2026 Bronco Raptor notified owners on 7/31/2026. Phase 2 will include 2021-2025 Bronco Raptor vehicle will notify owners on or about 8/14/2026. Phase 3 will include 2021-2026 Bronco will notify owners on or about 9/1/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed August 5, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S55. Vehicle Id

Structure:body:roof And Pillars 2026-05-12 · campaign 26V299000 · 16,200 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The 3-door and 5-door Molded-In-Color (MIC) hardtop roof panels may have been manufactured improperly, which can allow sections of the outer roof panel to separate and detach from the vehicle.

Risk: A detached section of roof can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hard top as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S32. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 12, 2026.

Power Train:automatic Transmission 2026-04-14 · campaign 26V236000 · 4,922 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Bronco vehicles. The transmission to transfer case joint may be misaligned due to an incorrectly performed previous repair, which could lead to wear of the transmission output shaft splines and transfer case input splines.

Risk: Excessive wear of the transmission and transfer case splines may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission to transfer case joint and replace the transmission and transfer case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S26. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.

Back Over Prevention:software 2026-03-03 · campaign 26V124000 · 849,310 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Ford Bronco and 2021-2024 Ford Edge vehicles. The Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) may overheat and shutdown, which can prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended.

Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The APIM software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S09. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2025-12-18 · campaign 25V888000 · 35 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V165. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealer will update the SYNC module software ,free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C72. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 30, 2026.

Seats:critical Fasteners 2025-10-23 · campaign 25V721000 · 163,256 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles. The front seats may have a loose or dislodged seat frame height-adjust pivot bolt.

Risk: A seat with a dislodged bolt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 28, 2025.

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater 2025-10-10 · campaign 25V685000 · 59,006 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump 2025-07-07 · campaign 25V455000 · 850,318 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2025-05-09 · campaign 25V312000 · 12,219 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were repaired incorrectly under recall 22V-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update SYNC module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25C14.

Back Over Prevention:software 2025-05-09 · campaign 25V315000 · 1,076,138 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford

Suspension:rear:shock Absorber 2025-01-17 · campaign 25V025000 · 149,449 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco vehicles. The rear shock absorbers may corrode and fail, resulting in detachment of the external reservoir.

Risk: An external reservoir that detaches from a vehicle can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rear shock absorbers, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S01.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 2024-08-23 · campaign 24V635000 · 90,736 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2023-08-25 · campaign 23V598000 · 177,402 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator, 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator, 2022-2023 Ford Transit, and 2021 Ford Bronco vehicles. The rearview camera, or 360-degree view camera if equipped, may not display a rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, and update the software and wiring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023 to Lincoln owners. Ford vehicle owners notification letters were mailed March 4, 2024. Ford remedy parts are anticipated 2nd Quarter 2024. Ford's number for this recall is 23S48.

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners 2023-05-18 · campaign 23V358000 · 175,550 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco vehicles built with the 5-Door body style. The first-row seat belt latch plates may be difficult to access from their stowed position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Difficulty accessing the seat belt latches may result in occupants not wearing their seat belts, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will add a sliding clip latch stop to the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 14, 2023. Owner letters informing owners that parts are available were mailed on October 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C16.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2023-03-10 · campaign 23V165000 · 1,651 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with 8-inch SYNC infotainment screens that were previously remedied under recall 22V-825. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C05.

Air Bags:sensor:side Impact 2022-12-14 · campaign 22V928000 · 1,226 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The right or left side impact sensors may not be properly secured to the vehicle.

Risk: An improperly secured side impact sensor may cause the air bags to unintentionally deploy, or not to deploy as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the side impact sensor attachments and repair, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S77.

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera 2022-11-03 · campaign 22V825000 · 47,046 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles equipped with rearview camera systems and 8-inch screen displays. The rearview camera image may still be displayed after a backing event has ended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: The SYNC module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 25, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C27.

Latches/Locks/Linkages:doors:lock 2022-06-10 · campaign 22V411000 · 53,103 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain four-door 2021-2022 Bronco vehicles. The passenger-side rear door may be opened from inside of the vehicle when the child safety lock is in the "ON" position.

Risk: A malfunctioning child safety lock increases the risk of injury to a child occupant.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the passenger-side child safety locks door child safety lock and latch, and replace them, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 28, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S44.

Forward Collision Avoidance: Sensing System: Radar 2021-12-16 · campaign 21V982000 · 839 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Ranger and Bronco vehicles. The cruise control radar module was misaligned during production.

Risk: A misaligned radar module may prevent the vehicle from maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles when adaptive cruise control is active. In addition, the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system may react slowly, or not react at all, during a pre-collision assist braking event. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will adjust the angle of the cruise control radar module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S52.

Air Bags:frontal 2021-10-01 · campaign 21V770000 · 553 vehicles

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 Bronco vehicles. During passenger air bag deployment, an air bag vent could open prematurely and result in an improper deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger air bag, free of charge. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on November 24, 2021. A second notice announcing the remedy is available was sent on July 8, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21C23.

Service bulletins (324)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Unknown Or Other 2026-10-27 · SSM 55284 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

some 2021-2023 bronco vehicles equipped with a mt88 manual transmission may exhibit no 3rd gear engagement and/or a grinding noise going into 3rd and/or 4th gear. this may be due to the 3rd/4th gear shift fork. to correct this condition, replace the following parts: <br /><br /> *3rd gear (mu7z-7101

Unknown Or Other 2026-10-14 · TSB 26-2442 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this bulletin supersedes 26-2297. reason for update: add 2022-2025 transit vehicles. some of the vehicles listed in the model statement above equipped with sync4 may experience a blank center display screen or black center display screen after welcome animation. the rear-view camera will still funct

Unknown Or Other 2026-10-12 · SSM 55240 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

some 2021-2024 bronco vehicles may exhibit an illuminated red brake warning indicator with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c0049:01 stored in the anti-lock brake system (abs) module. this may be due to pin fitment at the brake fluid level sensor connector. to resolve this concern, replace the brake fl

Unknown Or Other 2026-10-08 · SSM 55228 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

some 2020-2026 aviator/explorer/f-150/bronco/ranger vehicles equipped with a 2.7l or 3.0l (non-diesel) engine may need the front engine cover removed and reinstalled for various reasons. the workshop manual (wsm), section 303-01 engine > removal and installation > engine front cover service procedur

Unknown Or Other 2026-09-24 · TSB 26-2380 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

this article supersedes tsb 25-2575 to update the parts list to add the applicable body wiring harnesses and underbody shield bolts. some vehicles listed in the model statement above may exhibit a "sta-bar disconnect service required" message in the instrument panel cluster (ipc) with any of the fol

Unknown Or Other 2026-09-09 · PCM-26.2.11.3 Bronco · Over The Air

25s75 recall remedy -powertrain control module update to introduce logic to prevent low pressure fuel pump binding and maintain fuel flow to the engine.

Showing the 6 most recent of 324 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.

What owners report

2026-10-06 · Fuel/Propulsion System

“my car would not start. turns out it was the fuel pump/filter low pressure recall issue. it was towed to the dealership and has been there since without a remedy from ford, despite the recall being released over a year ago. absolutely ridiculous that my vehicle is being held hostage because the manufacturer has not come up with a remedy. …”

2026-09-24 · Structure:body

“i am concerned about the hard top for my bronco. there are cracks showing above the furthest back window on the passenger side, and above the same window on the driver's side. and when it rains, it leaks in the very back, causing the carpet to get wet under the rubber mat and smell like mildew. i did request a ford dealer to document the cracks wh…”

2026-09-22 · Engine

“the engine block may develop a coolant leak which could cause a short circuit while the engine block heater system is plugged in - increasing the risk of an underhood fire…”

2026-09-22 · Fuel/Propulsion System

“loss of fuel pressure from fuel pump failure…”

2026-09-21 · Fuel System, Gasoline

“the contact owns a 2021 ford bronco. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 25v455000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. the local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable am…”

2026-08-21 · Service Brakes

“i contacted my ford dealership, and they informed me that the recall is not currently showing as applicable to my vin. because my vehicle is experiencing similar issues, the dealership recommended that i contact ford directly to have my vehicle and vin reviewed. i would like to request that ford review my vehicle to determine whether it may be aff…”

2026-08-20 · Vehicle Speed Control · 68,000 mi

“the contact owns a 2021 ford bronco. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. no warning light was illuminated. additionally, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration while driving. the lane departure feature also steered the vehicle in the opposite direction while there was con…”

2026-08-13 · Service Brakes

“while driving, i experienced the brakes beginning to fail, followed shortly by a complete loss of engine power. my 2021 ford bronco is subject to recall 25s75 (nhtsa 25v455) for a low pressure fuel pump defect that can cause loss of fuel pressure or flow and engine stall. i was stranded on the side of the interstate in 100 degree heat with my newbo…”

2026-08-06 · Fuel/Propulsion System

“- potential fuel pump failure while driving - major concern while operating vehicle for myself and for children and elderly passengers - yes - yes but no solution available - no…”

2026-08-05 · Service Brakes

“there is multiple anti lock braking faults that pop up while driving and then go away the next time the vehicle is used. brake fluid, pads, rotors and calipers all seem to spec and are working at the moment, but major concerns with the software or possible release and reengagement of the emergency brake. …”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Ford Bronco years